Read by Joshua Geer on 16.09.2024 at the funeral of Ronald Louis George Geer, 6th December 1930 – 12 August 2024.
I want to thank you all for gathering here to celebrate and remember the life of a remarkable man, my Grandad Ron.
By the time I entered his life, he was already approaching his seventies, yet his spirit was vibrant, having lived a life rich with experience. Some of my fondest memories are wrapped in the tales he told about his life before I knew him. Through these stories, I’ve come to understand the incredible journey that shaped the man we all came to love and admire.
Many of you here today were woven into those stories, and it is in your presence that we honour his life.
Born in 1930, Ron entered a world almost unimaginable to us now—the roaring twenties were drawing to a close, King George V was on the throne, and the internet was still more than half a century away. Raised by his parents, Emily and Reginald, a police officer, Ron’s early years were spent at Priory Road School.
True to the Geer spirit, he had a deep yearning for the outdoors, which led him to an apprenticeship at James Bro Builders.
At 18, Ron enlisted in the army. Initially contemplating a role with the Royal Signals but wary of a potential posting to Durban, he chose the Airborne Parachute Regiment, only to later discover the posting would have been Durham.
This decision took him to Egypt, Cyprus, and into the Korean War. Those experiences were undoubtedly challenging, yet his army scrapbooks also reveal the good times and playful moments with friends. Facing life’s most painful moments early on, he developed a profound sense of duty and a stoicism that defined him throughout his life.
Returning home in 1954, Ron joined the fire service and soon met my lovely Nan Violet, marrying her in 1956. In 1968, they welcomed a baby, my dad Graham, and returned not long after to Priory Road, just a stone’s throw from where Ron had gone to school. Ron and Violet’s union was a beautiful testament to eternal love, marked by 68 years of shared adventures, and the lessons they instilled in Graham, Caroline, Matt, and me.
Together, they explored the Lake District, where one memorable day, after climbing Haystacks, Ron realised he had forgotten to put film in his camera. Naturally, determined to capture the moment, they climbed the mountain again the next day. Their travels also took them to snowy slopes in Switzerland, Austria, and France.
As we reflect on Ron’s remarkable life, it’s impossible not to be struck by the profound qualities that defined him. His resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving others were evident in every aspect of his life.
It’s often the small, everyday moments that we will miss the most. I remember how my Dad would enjoy a cup of speciality coffee with Ron, and the walks we all took together to admire the view from the west hill. These simple but cherished moments were filled with warmth and connection.
With this was a willingness to give his time and attention. I remember with a smile how he would attentively listen to me play “Three Blind Mice” on the recorder, just as earnestly as he enjoyed my brother Matthew’s expertly delivered piano renditions of his favourite music by Ella Fitzgerald and Glen Miller. It’s a testament to his kindness and dedication, giving equal attention to both performances with a patience and enthusiasm that made us all feel valued and cherished.
These acts of service were a constant throughout his life, whether it was helping my mum sweep car parks in one of her first jobs or joining in our family football games, playing along with me, my brother, and Dad. Even at 80, he was a better goalkeeper than me. His willingness to lend a hand, no matter the task, was a constant in our lives right up into his nineties.
Such kindness and humility were evident in everything he did. To him, it was always about how you acted, not your status or background. This resilience, playful spirit, and humility have left an enduring legacy that will continue to guide and inspire us. Ron’s example of selfless service and genuine warmth will always be a part of who we are and how we strive to live our own lives.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my wonderful Grandad. A life of 93 years, marked by unwavering strength and boundless kindness, is a remarkable legacy. His 63 years of marriage to Nan Violet, filled with enduring love, and his compassionate nature that touched everyone around him are testaments to a life well-lived. Grandad Ron exemplified the very qualities I aspire to embody—a life of humility, service, and generosity. He leaves me with a great sense of stoicism and calmness, which as I walk the path of life is the ideal I strive to reach. Thank you, Grandad, for inspiring us all and for leaving behind a legacy that will guide and uplift us forever.
Thank you for taking the time to read my tribute to my Grandad Ron. More tributes can be found here.